Interview: Christophe Charlier's super season
Christophe Charlier already showed his enormous talent in the EMX250. He rode to the title in 2009 ahead of a certain Jeffrey Herlings. Although the Corsican showed flashes of his class in the GPs, he never fulfilled his full potential in motocross. However, this season a new Christophe emerged. A switch to EnduroGP caused the turnaround. Charlier gained self-confidence in enduro and developed into a more complete rider. The Christophe Charlier version 2.0 grew into a regular and versatile winner. To crown his work, he won both the ISDE and MXON titles in the same season. In the modern history of motorsports, no one did this stunt before Charlier.
Christophe Charlier: "Thank you! First and foremost, I am very surprised. A year ago I quit motocross and then I didn't immediately expect to come back in this way in the largest motocross competition in the world. Especially because I had difficult weeks in the weeks before the MX of Nations. I didn't have much time to prepare and I could only train on a standard motorcycle. But during the weekend everything was arranged tip-top. I could count on the full support of Husqvarna and the Jacky Martens team supported me perfectly. Actually, everyone around me has done a great job supporting the MXON.”The week before Matterley Basin was also difficult because you got a blow to the head in the EnduroGP of Hawkstone Park. You suffered a mild concussion?
Charlier: “That's right, it certainly wasn't ideal. Over the weekend my head hurt and for two or three days I suffered from blurred vision. To be honest, I learned a lot about myself and my body in enduro. That helped me a lot to better understand what I'm feeling and how to deal with something like that concussion. I knew that the headaches and my problems would pass so that I would be at the start of the MXON in the best possible shape. Enduro has also made me better in terms of riding. Previously I wasn't anywhere in the mud, but this weekend everything went great. I didn't have a very good start in the first moto, but fortunately I was able to turn the tide in my second race! It was actually an incredible weekend.”
It also seems that you are mentally stronger than ever. Not only did you have to switch to motocross again, you also had to get used to an MX2 bike again and Team France started as favorite after three consecutive victories. Talk about a challenge!
Charlier: “That's how I feel about it. I think I have indeed become stronger between the ears. Although I cannot deny that there was quite a bit of stress involved! But so much of enduro is about how you deal with obstacles, whatever their nature. You have to stay positive no matter what. It's one thing to be stressed, but you shouldn't let it affect you. I felt pressure before the motos, but as soon as I got on the bike I was calm.”
When did you know you had been selected?
Charlier: “Only three weeks ago. When Pascal (Finot) the team manager called me, I didn't hesitate for a second! I immediately agreed.”
It must have been reassuring that you had performed well in Matterley Basin in the past. Because you already won an MX2 round there.
Charlier: “Exactly, the job gave me a good feeling. But especially the enormous trust that Pascal (Finot) had in me made a huge difference.”
When it comes to preparation, few teams tackle things as thoroughly asthe French team. The riders and the team went to training camp last week, you were shielded from the outside world, as little social media as possible. We couldn't even get a hold of you before the match!
Charlier: “It is indeed true that the French federation works very professionally. I think that approach is certainly paying off. We are perfectly supported by experienced people throughout the week. This way we get the most out of that last week of preparation. Not being disturbed, or being constantly online or on social media is just one example. That week together also helped enormously to forge a close bond with Gautier (Paulin) and Romain (Febvre). We talked a lot and advised each other. That has all translated into the results we have achieved.”
Charlier: “The circumstances were completely different then. At that point in my career I was suffering from a lot of stress, which meant I never reached my potential. I missed a lot of starts because of this, often made mistakes and in general I just rode way too tense. In comparison, I am much more relaxed now. You just have to stay calm and do what you can, it's that simple.”Honestly, no one would have said you hadn't done a motocross race in so long. After all, things went well on Saturday too. And the conditions in the qualifying race had nothing to do with enduro because the The track was in almost perfect condition.
Charlier: “I actually felt fine from the start, although I obviously lacked competition rhythm. However, with each session the feeling improved.”Enduro clearly made you a different rider. In which area did you make the most progress?
Charlier: “Certainly driving in the mud, anything with a slippery surface. Stay in control and keep your wits about you. Moreover, I have learned to understand myself better. When are you really tired and need to slow down for a while? When do you feel great and can you really push yourself? If you drive more consciously, it is also easier to avoid injuries.”
For anyone who starts riding enduro, the rules are also a challenge.Just accelerating is not enough,to win you have to use your brain!
Charlier: “What really makes it interesting for me is the fact that you can't leave anything to chance. If you make one mistake, you can immediately forget about the podium. This allows you to build in some safety margin, but it is also important to avoid mistakes in motocross.”
Sometimes people have the impression that enduro is some kind of hobby for retired or written-off motocross riders. Or those who do not follow the sport closely may think that it is easy for cross-country riders to run at the front.
Charlier: “(smiles) Hmmm, enduro has also evolved a lot in recent years. There are so many great riders, each with a different background and everyone is raising the level. Many enduro riders may be less known to the general public, but you would still be amazed by their qualities on the motorcycle. My advice to motocross riders is to look around with an open mind. To what they can learn in enduro. Or to jump on an enduro bike every now and then. The nice thing about enduro is that you can practice it in so many different ways. But don't be fooled by that headlight, in competition there is a lot of acceleration at the highest level.”
Thank you for your time and success in Zschopau for the EnduroGP final!
Charlier: “You're welcome, see you in Germany!”
Photos: CDS, JP Acevedo, Future7media
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